SAN DIEGO — The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Monday federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of California to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding Jan. 21-23.
President Joe Biden’s actions make federal funding available to people affected in San Diego County.
CBS 8 talked to County Emergency Services Director Jeff Tony to learn how to navigate through the application process.
"We encourage everybody to at least apply. Get your information in that FEMA system and start that process," said Tony.
Where can I apply for federal disaster assistance money?
You can register online here, by calling 1-800-621-3362, by using the FEMA app, or in person.
"Today, we'll be setting up disaster recovery centers similar to the local assistance centers that we already set up. So, people can go and talk to FEMA in person as well," said Tony.
If you're applying online, scroll to the bottom of DisasterAssistance.gov and look for the box titled "List of Disasters." Then select California and San Diego. From there, you'll be asked to share the location of your losses and check boxes for the kind of damages you suffered. You'll also be asked to confirm what caused your losses and the date they occurred.
The site will then ask you to create an account to connect with government agencies, and you'll return to DisasterAssistance.gov to fill out your application.
Through the FEMA app, you’ll have to fill out your personal income information, estimate losses, upload photos and answer numerous questions.
What kind of financial assistance can I expect?
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, small business loans, and other programs.
You could qualify even if you have insurance.
When could I receive funding?
Tony said it may be a few weeks until flood victims can receive anything tangible, but it's important to apply as soon as you can.
For more questions about FEMA assistance, visit disasterassistance.gov.
CBS 8 helps a local business owner apply for FEMA money
Robb Harvey can now have a sigh of relief after a recording studio he co-owns got destroyed by January’s floods.
"Everything helps at this point. We are excited to get help from government," said Harvey.
"We need all the help we can get, all the help," added Harvey.
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